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Phlebotomist Employment and Job Duties in Nebraska
Just like most other states, Nebraska has a strong need for phlebotomists as they’re an important link in the healthcare industry.
These are the facilities that hire such technicians the most:
- Hospital and clinics
- Blood banks
- Labs
- Nursing homes
- Community Health Centers
- Doctor’s Offices
Their main job is to collect blood from patients, however, they often have to complete a series of other tasks as well.
These other tasks include:
- Venipunctures
- Choosing the correct vials
- Correctly labeling samples
- Organizing and sending off samples to the lab for testing
- Communicating with patients
- Following strict procedures
Duties could vary slightly from a facility to another.
Hospitals usually operate on a 24/7 basis, and they could need personnel to draw blood at all hours throughout the day.
You should expect to work evening and weekend shifts, if you decide to work in a hospital.
Requirements to Become a Phlebotomist in Nebraska
Nebraska doesn’t regulate the occupation of phlebotomists, thus anyone could get hired for this position.
It’s strongly advised, however, to undergo training and obtain the national certification for this occupation.
Most employers will prefer hiring certified individuals.
Other requirements for this position are:
- A high school diploma or GED
- A clean criminal record
- Strong communication skills
- Good listening skills
- Detail-oriented
The skills mentioned above will help you better ensure and maintain the safety of the workplace as well as the wellbeing of those who come to have their blood collected.
Many of them will want to know all the steps of the procedure before you start.
Phlebotomist Training in Nebraska
Training centers and community colleges are the institutions organizing courses for future phlebotomists.
Usually, only those who meet certain requirements will be accepted.
These generally are:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have CPR certification
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Recent immunizations
- Pass a background check
- Basic computer skills
- Strong English skills – reading, writing, speaking
When seeking a program, the first thing you have to pay attention to is its accreditation.
This way, the training, skills, and knowledge, you’ll acquire will be up to the national standards and enough for any entry-level job in this field.
The programs need to have some theory classes as well as practice classes in an actual clinical setting.
The table below has the schools where you can start your search.
5 Phlebotomy Schools in Nebraska
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Bryan College of Health Sciences | 1535 S. 52nd Street, Lincoln, NE 68506 |
| Kaplan University | 205 Bedford Avenue Omaha, NE 68134-4725 |
| Nebraska Methodist College | 720 N 87th Street, Omaha, NE 68114 |
| Southeast Community College | 8800 O Street Lincoln, NE 68520-1299 |
| Western Nebraska Community College | 1601 E. 27th Street Scottsbluff, NE 69361 |
Keep in mind that the following are not included in the tuition of all schools:
- Exam fees
- Uniform for the graduation
- Lab tools
- Textbooks
Your coursework will cover:
- Medical terms
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Safety procedures
- The 40 most common lab tests
- Pediatrics,
- Needle or syringe draws
- Butterfly needles
If you want to graduate fast, you could consider enrolling in the Nebraska Methodist College.
Its standard program lasts for 9 weeks while the accelerated one lasts for just 5 weeks.
Through this school, you can earn the American Society of Clinical Pathologist certification.
To graduate from any program, you might have to perform at least 100 successful blood collections.
Phlebotomist Certification in Nebraska
Several agencies are offering national certification for future phlebotomists.
They include:
- American Society for Clinical Pathology
- American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians
- National Phlebotomy Association
It’s common for candidates to first enroll in the training program and then sit through an exam.
Sometimes, individuals might be accepted for the test if they accumulated enough experience on-the-job.
Phlebotomists have to take either a written or oral exam as well as a practical exam.
Each agency makes its own regulations and requirements to take the exam.
If you pass, you’ll have to stay informed on the certification renewal process unique to the agency issuing yours.
Phlebotomist Salary Information in Nebraska
Phlebotomist positions are made available quite often in Nebraska, as not everyone spends a lot of time in this field.
The median annual salary for a phlebotomist in Nebraska is around $32,363.
Next, you can see the average salaries in 10 of Nebraska’s largest cities.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Phlebotomists in Nebraska
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Omaha | $33,367 |
| Lincoln | $33,206 |
| Bellevue | $33,367 |
| Grand Island | $32,747 |
| Kearney | $32,747 |
| Fremont | $32,870 |
| Hastings | $32,747 |
| Norfolk | $29,720 |
| North Platte | $31,751 |
| Columbus | $32,747 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln, NE | 190 | $35,340 | $16.99 | $42,610 | $30,900 |
| Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA | 420 | $37,490 | $18.02 | $45,380 | $31,260 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information for Phlebotomists in Nebraska
There are at least 3 other medical professionals who choose to earn the phlebotomy certification:
- Nurses
- EKG technicians
- Medical assistants
This way they can take on expanded duties, be of more help in an emergency, and earn a higher salary.
Phlebotomy Schools by City
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